Alopecia can be compared with Indralupta in Ayurveda. It is a disease characterized by patches of hair loss spread throughout the body and scalp. It can be considered alopecia areata according to conventional medical care.

Causes of Alopecia

• Acharya Charak has explained that this disorders is occurring due to over indulgence in Kshara, Lavana and Viruddha Ahara has mentioned the occurrence of Hair Loss as a consequence. It has been mentioned that the Viruddha Ahara like, simultaneous intake of Lavana (salt) with milk in the diet induces Indralupta, as observed in the people of Saurashtra and Bahlika. Thus, it can be said that a person habituated to excessive Lavana or Kshara intake and taking Viruddha Ahara in routine is prone to have Indralupta.
• Mithya Ahara (toxic food unnatural combination )and Vihara ,Manoabhighata like mental stress, fright, anger, shock etc. may collectively increase the Pitta and Vata Dosha. The Ushna and Tikshna properties of Pitta get augmented whereas the Vata suffers an aggravation in Ruksha, Khara and Chala properties. Here an aggravated Pitta (Bhrajaka Pitta) supported by the vitiated Dehoshma burns the Keshabhoomi whereas an increased Vata gives rise to more frequent and comparatively prolonged ShiraSankocha by its Ruksha and Khara Guna. The Snigdhatva and the Pichchhilatva of the normal Kapha Dosha is prevalent throughout the pores of the skin so as to keep it soft and moist. By the augmentation of the Ushna, Tikshna, Ruksha and Khara properties of Pitta and Vata Doshas respectively, the Sneha and the Pichchhilatva of the Kapha Dosha are dried up within the pores of the skin of the scalp thus, obstructing the growth of new hairs, causing Indralupta.(alopecia).
• Stress is one of the main reason along with some metabolic changes.

Treatment in Ayurveda

Line of treatment should start from correction of metabolism and rule out any stress and treat accordingly. long with above if necessary we go for cleansing and detoxifying therapies like Virechan or Vaman.